May 25, 2011

Heat One Win From NBA Finals: The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 101-93 in overtime Tuesday, bringing the player-assembled team just one more win from a berth in the NBA Finals. The big three scored all 16 of Miami's points in overtime. LeBron James has been effective guarding Derrick Rose late in games, holding him to 2-of-13 shooting. "They're both transformative offensive players," writes Henry Abbott of TrueHoop. "But James was my MVP because his defense is vastly better."

Man, I'm really, really, really rooting for them to not win... christ I guess I'd better hope Dirk can stay out-of-his mind for another couple of weeks as a last chance to knock Miami off its self-made pedestal.

As a native Chicagoan but only a casual observer this season, I have to say, there is something about Boozer on the court that really rubs me the wrong way. Can't quite put my finger on it, but I hope he gets traded.

The Heat D was the most impressive aspect of that performance, especially at the close with Wade's blocks and LeBron's airtight work on Rose, which clearly frustrated him. I didn't hear many people talking about the defensive aspect of the Heat in July, but it's looking like the key to their playoff run.

Tough game for Chicago but they did choke. Gee if the end of regulation buzzer shot by Rose goes in (and it was very close) the series is tied with advantage to Chicago. Man that was a tough miss but then again Chicago really fell apart in the last minutes of regulation to let that game get away. Very depressing for me as I can't stand the Heat. I also think if they win the title, they will be really hard to stomach.

That would be his defense. Boozer had me yelling at the screen a few times and I'm not even a Bulls fan. If there's a word to describe his defense it would be, statuesque. Just watch his feet when he's trying to guard the rim from a driver, planted.

It doesn't mean much in the loss but Rose's dunk over Anthony was pretty sick.

Chicago's problem is that outside of Rose, it's becoming alarmingly clear that no one else can create their own shot. Miami is succeeding at double teams and triple teams being thrown at him while others can't seem to hit their open looks.

I agree with Abbott that Lebron's on-the-ball defense is world class in these playoffs. He's the best in the NBA bar none.

Rose's dunk was one of the best of the year.

And Boozer - oh god. The guy plays defense like it's January. He had two "fast break" dunks last night that were simply a product of him not getting back over the centre line on a Chicago turnover that was subsequently turned over by Miami. Just terrible hustle on that guy. I'd want him traded too.